ONE Commentator Michael Schiavello Wins Big At 2018 Asian Television Awards

ONE Championship play-by-play commentator Michael Schiavello was honored with the award for Best Sports Presenter/Commentator this past weekend at the 2018 Asian Television Awards in Kuching, Malaysia.

Known as ‘The Voice,” Schiavello won the prestigious honor at the 23rd annual awards show that was held at the Borneo Convention Centre.

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The 44-year old Australian earned the victory ahead of the competition in his category that included golf commentator Dominique Boulet as well as Carlo Pamintuan, who called the action for the Philippine Basketball Association.

The Asian Television Awards have been handed out since 1996 and are often referred to as the ‘Emmys of Asia’ with a panel of more than 50 judges deciding the winners in each category.

A first-time nominee, Schiavello was all smiles as he accepted the award for his call at ONE: SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR last June.

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“I’m thrilled, honored and very humbled and grateful to receive this award,” Schiavello said.

“This is mainstream recognition for ONE Championship and mainstream recognition for a young boy who had a dream. This is an award testament to devotion and passion, and I hope my win shows young kids that you can do anything you want with devotion.

“I’m so grateful for ONE Championship bringing me back to Asia to commentate – my spiritual commentary home. This is huge.”

“The Voice” was recognized for his work in the booth at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, which hosted some of the most incredible action seen in the cage last year.

On that night, Schiavello called some unforgettable contests. the 2018 Bout Of The Year, which saw two-division ONE World Champion “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang defend his middleweight belt with a stunning fifth-round knockout of Ken Hasegawa.

A veteran commentator who got into the business when he was 16 years old calling a track and field event in his native Australia, Schiavello has called martial arts events for more than 20 years.

“The Voice” joined the ONE team as the lead play-by-play commentator alongside analyst Mitch Chilson in 2017.

Since then, he has called the action for every one of the bouts in the world’s largest martial arts organization, including mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and Muay Thai contests.